Tel 01204 772977

June 2020

Comply at Work

HSE back on inspection duty P2-3

First aid implications of coronavirus P4-5

The HSE’s stance on social distancing P6-7

The five why’s of accident investigation P8-9

In the Spotlight P14

P2 Tel 01204 77 29 77

Safety

Snippets

e-mail: team@complyatwork.co.uk www.complyatwork.co.uk P3

HSE back on inspection duty

The HSE has announced that it’s restarting proactive enforcement inspections. Who can expect a visit and what will inspectors be looking for?

Suspended. The HSE stopped completing routine inspections of workplaces when the coronavirus lockdown started at the end of March. Since then, inspectors have been remotely dealing with ongoing cases and complaints about issues relating to coronavirus raised by staff and members of the public.

In numbers. Between 9 March and 7 May, the HSE received 4,813 such reports, almost 17% of which related to the construction industry. In addition, there have been 198 reports of a dangerous occurrence and 71 coronavirus-related fatalities reported to the HSE under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 ( RIDDOR ).

Manage the risks. As yet, the HSE has not taken formal action against any organisation for failing to protect staff and others from coronavirus. However, now that its inspectors are back on the beat, this situation is likely to change. Inspectors have spoken to many firms and urged them to make improvements.

What will prompt an inspection? As the HSE does not have vast numbers of inspectors it will be using its resources to target those deemed the greatest risk. For example, the construction sector is likely to receive a significant number of visits. Also, where a problem has been flagged that business is far more likely to see an inspector.

Warning. One company had to deal with an inspector, prompted by an anonymous report thought to be from a member of staff.

Tip. Make sure your staff know to report issues to you before anyone else. Continue to follow government coronavirus guidance and show that your efforts are visible to all https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19.

If you need any assistance in completing a Covid19 Secure Risk Assessment or need any other advice, please contact us at team@complyatwork.co.uk

Source : Indicator

P4 Tel 01204 77 29 77

Safety

Snippets

e-mail: team@complyatwork.co.uk www.complyatwork.co.uk P5

First aid implications of coronavirus

Source : Indicator

As businesses reopen but with coronavirus continuing to be a threat, what changes might you need to make to your first aid arrangements? And what instruction should you provide to your first aiders?

Infection riskDelivering any form of first aid tends to require close contact, whether it’s handing out a plaster or helping to flush out someone’s eye. But of all the potential first aid scenarios, the delivery of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) creates the greatest infection control risk.

Tip 1. Before addressing the mechanics of first aid provision, you’ll need to evaluate whether you continue to have a sufficient number of first aiders - please ask for our Guidance note on this to help you decide. Note. You may have more than enough if you have fewer staff on site.

Tip 2. Review the number of first aid personnel required using the guidelines from the HSE and amend your first aid needs assessment as appropriate. Please contact us if you would like a copy of the First Aid needs Assessment guidance.

In practiceThe next consideration is the measures required to protect first aiders and those they are treating from possible infection. Coronavirus is spread in close contact with an infected person, particularly during coughing or sneezing. The other route of infection is by touching your own mouth, nose or eyes when your hand has become contaminated. Understandably, some first aiders may feel uncomfortable carrying out their role while there is a risk of infection and this has to be taken into account.

Control measuresPublic Health England has recently published guidance for first responders and first aiders https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-interim-guidance-for-first-responders/interim-guidance-for-first-responders-and-others-in-close-contact-with-symptomatic-people-with-potential-2019-ncov.

Tip. It’s recommended that where it’s not possible to maintain a two-metre distance, disposable gloves and an apron should be worn. Where a first aider is likely to come into contact with droplets or splashes of blood or other bodily fluids, they are best to wear a fluid-resistant surgical face mask and eye protection such as full-face visor or goggles. These should all be disposed of after use. Ensure that all of this equipment is readily available to first aiders along with resuscitation masks.

CPRIf required to perform CPR, the advice is for a reduced response in most circumstances.

Tip 1. In adults it’s recommended that rescue breaths are not given and instead the first aider should normally use chest compressions alone. This can be as effective as combined CPR in the first few minutes after cardiac arrest.

Tip 2. If, after assessing the situation, the first aider decides to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation then a resuscitation mask should be used where available.

BriefingThe PHE guidance should be used to provide an update briefing to all first aiders as soon as possible. You should also inform them of any amendments to your own first aid needs assessment, internal procedures and the personal protective equipment which is available to them.

When performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on adults first aiders are advised to use chest compressions only. They’ll need to be instructed on this and other public health guidelines, plus you must supply extra masks, gloves, aprons and visors. Aim to get this arranged as soon as you can.

P6 Tel 01204 77 29 77

Safety

Snippets

e-mail: team@complyatwork.co.uk www.complyatwork.co.uk P7

The HSE’s stance on social distancing

Source: Indicator

If you’re wondering what the consequences might be if you don’t try that hard to enforce coronavirus rules, the HSE has given clarification. What do you need to know?

New rules. Businesses beginning to open up are facing a whole raft of challenges when implementing arrangements to prevent the spread of coronavirus. To help, the government has published specific guidelines covering various sectors including construction, factories, offices, restaurants and retail premises https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Helpful guidance. These guides describe the measures to be taken where it’s unavoidable for staff to come to work, and where customers need to visit your premises. They include the requirement for social distancing, i.e. a two-metre gap, to be maintained wherever possible.

Make changes. There are suggestions for how to achieve this within each type of workplace, e.g. by rearranging the layout, changing the flow of movement around the premises, marking floors, displaying signs and using barriers and screens. However, despite efforts by the government to get the message across that social distancing is vital, many firms are flouting the rules.

Don’t turn a blind eye. The HSE has stated that if it receives a complaint or inspectors observe non-compliance first hand, it will take action. It has a range of options available, from providing friendly advice through to issuing an enforcement notice. If necessary, it will serve a prohibition notice to close non-compliant businesses.

Tip 1. It’s not sufficient to display signs etc. and leave it to customers and staff to follow the requirements at their discretion. Carry out close supervision to ensure that your site rules are being met.

Tip 2. Don’t rely on mask wearing as an alternative to social distancing. It’s been made very clear by public health advisors that this is not acceptable. Using personal protective equipment can be a useful part of your precautions but it’s a last resort after other measures have been taken.

The HSE has warned that inspectors may close sites and businesses if they fail to toe the line. Apply the sector-specific guidelines on social distancing.

Don’t leave things to chance, if you need help, please contact us on team@complyatwork.co.uk

P8 Tel 01204 77 29 77

Safety

Snippets

e-mail: team@complyatwork.co.uk www.complyatwork.co.uk P9

The five whys of accident investigation

Those who investigate accidents for a living have complex processes to help them find the root causes, but as an amateur there’s a short cut you can take which will yield results. What’s involved?

Get to the bottom of itRoot cause analysis (RCA) is a method of accident investigation which aims to identify where in the organisation a failure has occurred, and where weaknesses lie. An example of RCA in action would be where an accident had been caused by an unsafe piece of equipment. Simply concluding that the equipment should not have been used is not the root cause. Instead, managers applying RCA would want to know what actions and decisions led to the unsafe equipment being available for use and what changes are required.

Why, why, why, why, why?There are many forms of RCA but one of the most straightforward is known as “the five whys”.

Tip. This might sound too good to be true, but it’s actually very effective. All that’s required is to work backwards from the accident asking the same question, “why” over and over until you reach the root cause.

Give us a demoThis can be illustrated using the following hypothetical scenario: a worker is on a ladder cleaning a window when the ladder slips and he falls, injuring his back. The very first thing we ask is (1)“Why did the ladder slip?” Because it wasn’t secured or wasn’t fitted with stability devices; (2)“Why was it not secured or fitted with stability devices?” Because the worker was only using it for a short time and thought it would be fine. Although he did have a stability device in his van he chose not to use it. He was an experienced worker and had done it this way many times before.

Now you may be thinking, clearly the worker is at fault. His company provided a safety device and he should be experienced enough to know better? But let’s dig a little deeper; (3)“Why did his company not make sure he was working safely?” His manager assumed because of his experience he would work safely and so he had not

been provided with the usual safety induction on safe use of ladders. He was working remotely from head office so couldn’t be supervised all the time; (4)“Why were periodic checks on working practices not carried out?” His manager didn’t think that was part of his job and most of their workers worked alone anyway; and finally (5) “Why were systems not in place to combat this?” Because the company had never trained managers in their health and safety responsibilities. They also had not considered additional monitoring for lone workers and did not have a robust training programme for staff. There was also a lack of communication between workers, their managers and senior management so these things were rarely discussed.

Not his fault. As you can see, by using the five whys method we have moved away from the conclusion that the worker should have taken more care. In fact, the reason the worker fell was because the organisation did not have systems in place to ensure he was using the equipment provided to him.

Tip 1. Although it’s called “the five whys”, continue asking as many questions as you need to until you run out, i.e. you reach your conclusion.

Tip 2. Ask basic questions and answer each one before moving on to the next why. Use this method for any adverse occurrence whether it caused injury or not and you’ll create a much stronger health and safety management system.

If something’s gone wrong ask “why?” and keep asking the same question until you understand the underlying reasons. This method will lead you to the gaps in your procedures and management systems, helping to prevent future occurrences. If you need any help with investigating Accidents or incidents, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team.

Source: Indicator

P10 Tel 01204 77 29 77

Comply at Work

In the spotlightWe would like to welcome our new retained clients this month:Managing Spaces Ltd, Wilmslow, CheshireDream Cleans Ltd, RochdalePB Fulfilment Ltd, Ashton–under – LyneAnderson Brookes, Bolton

Graphic Design | Web Design | App Design | eCommerce | eMail Marketing

Give us a call to see what we can do for you on

0777 337 1020

Finally, beware fake HSE emailsSpam emails are being sent from a fake Health & Safety Executive (HSE) email account. They claim that your business is under investigation for failing to manage coronavirus risks and could be shut down with the directors facing criminal action.

To the untrained eye these emails look convincing and are causing distress to innocent businesses. There is an attachment to the email that contains a virus.

Do not open the attachment and delete the email. Any email sent from an official at the HSE will be in this format name@hse.gov.uk

Congratulations to the following retained Clients who have gained the below accreditations:C Plumb Ltd, Wigan – SMASHCS Cleaning, Bolton – CHASMA Brickworks, Wigan – CHASPlatinum Traffic Management Achilles

Congratulation to our Team Manager/Consultant, Helena Pixton who has been awarded Grad IOSH status this month after successful completion of her Level 5 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice after many months of hard work completing the necessary assignments and evidencing her broad range of experience in the field. Well done, Helena!

cloud ]achinetHE

This newsletter has been brought to you by...

Graphic Design | Web Design | App Design | eCommerce | eMail Marketing

Give us a call to see what we can do for you on

0777 337 1020

www.thecloudmachine.co.uksaRa pascoe

Providing everything you need for promoting your business, from graphic design for print and web, to advanced marketing

for iPhone, iPad, tablets and smartphones

advert ise with us for under £10 per month

Tel 01204 77 29 77 mobile 07792 400 503

e-mail team@complyatwork.co.uk www.complyatwork.co.uk

@CCOMPLY at WORKHEALTH & SAFETY CONSULTANCY AND TRAINING

LRH SOLUTIONS

LRH SOLUTIONS Your one-stop solution to all your maintenance requirements.Business or Domestic.No job too small.

Please call Les for a no obligation quote on:✆ 07974 978386lrh1@btinternet.com

ALFA JOINERY LTD

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

QUALITY SERVICE AT A COMPETITIVE PRICE

CONTACT RICK SCOTT ON

07808 162098e-mail:enquiries@alfajoinery.co.uk